The human immunodeficiency virus and facial plastic surgery.

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) has imparted a number of concerns involving patient care and management as well as health care worker safety upon most surgical practices. Although these concerns are not often discussed in the context of facial plastic surgery (or particularly cosmetic surgery), they remain important issues. These issues are discussed with respect to public health policy, ethics and legality. The pathophysiological considerations for decision-making and care for HIV disease in the facial plastic surgery practice are addressed.